As we approach the final weeks of 2024, Life Stories Child and Family Advocacy bustles with a special kind of energy. CASA volunteers arrive to select holiday gifts for the children they advocate for throughout the year, while our Children’s Advocacy Center provides a safe haven for children sharing their stories. Each thoughtful gift, each supportive conversation, and each courageous voice represents hope in our community – hope that you help create through your support.
The Impact of Your Support: By the Numbers
The numbers tell a powerful story. In the past year, our Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) served 253 children, with 104 trained advocates dedicating their time and hearts to these cases. These committed volunteers drove an astounding 23,761 miles – roughly the equivalent of driving from Denver to Los Angeles eight times – to ensure no child’s voice went unheard. They invested 2,713 documented hours in case work, though we know the true number is significantly higher, as our humble volunteers often underreport their time.
Meanwhile, our Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) provided a safe haven for 349 child victims and supported 647 non-offending family members, touching nearly 1,000 lives during some of their most challenging moments. Each interview conducted at our center represents a child finding their voice, often for the first time.
Beyond the Numbers: Supporting Children’s Voices
But these aren’t just statistics – they’re stories of transformation. At our Children’s Advocacy Center, when a child arrives for a forensic interview, they find a safe space where their story matters and their voice is heard. Meanwhile, through our CASA program, trained volunteers become a lifeline for children in the child welfare system, standing beside them through court proceedings, school changes, and countless other challenges. In both programs, healing and hope begin with having someone who listens.
At our Children’s Advocacy Center, when a child arrives for a forensic interview, they find a safe space where their story matters and their voice is heard.
The Power of Community Support
Our ability to provide these essential services relies on a diverse network of support, from government grants to community contributions. As we’ve shared in our recent impact report, this multifaceted funding approach ensures we can maintain stability and flexibility in our programs, adapting to meet the evolving needs of the children and families we serve.
Why Your Year-End Gift Matters
As we approach the end of the year, maintaining our essential services is crucial. Your year-end gift doesn’t just support a program – it supports a child’s journey toward healing and hope. It helps us:
– Train new CASA volunteers to serve more children
– Provide specialized forensic interviewing services at our CAC
– Support non-offending family members as they navigate the healing process
– Maintain a safe, welcoming space for children to share their stories
Every mile driven by a CASA volunteer, every hour spent reviewing a case, and every interview conducted at our CAC represents a child’s story being heard and supported.
Making Your Gift Count
This year, we’ve set a goal of raising $35,000 to ensure we can continue meeting the needs of our community. Your contribution helps ensure that every child who needs an advocate has one. Every mile driven by a CASA volunteer, every hour spent reviewing a case, and every interview conducted at our CAC represents a child’s story being heard and supported. Your gift, no matter the size, helps write the next chapter in these stories. Together, we can ensure that 2025 brings more hope, more healing, and more positive outcomes for the children and families we serve. Will you help us turn the page?
With gratitude and hope,
Lisa Drake
Executive Director
Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy
Make Your Gift Today
